Would YOU spend a night CAMPING on a CLIFF?
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Camping was a very popular holiday option this summer. Many Britons headed out into the great outdoors and experienced nights away under canvas.
For camping enthusiasts who stayed outdoors during the summer months, the arrival of the colder months may mean packing up the tent until next year.
Camping equipment can be kept a long time if cleaned, packed and stored properly.
It should all be ready to use again next summer for another staycation adventure.
However, some campers may wonder how to safely pack up their camping equipment to make them last longer.
READ MORE: ‘Wild camping is illegal’: Camper on how to do it legally
The number one concern with camping equipment may be the metal components.
To prevent rust and save time, money and effort come next year, Paul McFadyen, managing director at Metals4U, had some tips.
He said: “Different types of metal need varying levels of care, so distinguishing what you are working with first will help you understand how to store it correctly.”
To prevent rust and corrosion, Britons should first figure out what metal they have to safely pack.
Most camping equipment will have components made of steel, aluminium and copper.
And while aluminium doesn’t rust, Paul said: “It does corrode. Without the right care, you may need to throw away the tent and buy a new one by the following summer. To stop this from happening, it’s essential to keep your tent in a dry area where there won’t be any likelihood of damp.”
To keep their equipment in the best shape possible, Paul recommends Britons keep their tent in the house if possible.
For copper crockery, it won’t be rust, or corrosion Britons need to watch out for.
Copper oxidises, but thankfully, “it is very easy to clean and all you will need is equal parts white vinegar and salt to make a paste.”
Paul explained: “You’ll need to pour the salt into a clean bowl and then slowly add the vinegar.
“Gently work the paste into the copper with a soft cloth to remove any signs of tarnish, rinse the item thoroughly in clean water, and buff dry.
“This should be enough to remove any oxidisation that has already occurred on your copper crockery and prevent further damage.”
In general, camping equipment should be cleaned before it’s packed away for the winter.
However, if this wasn’t possible, all is not lost. A very simple ingredient can help Britons tremendously.
Paul McFadyen, of Metals4U, said: “Rust is generally a tough type of corrosion to clean from metal surfaces, and therefore must be treated with the right care as to not damage your equipment.
“The best way to remove rust if you have already spotted it in equipment is to simply pour white vinegar evenly over the surface and give it some time to settle.
“An hour should be enough. Once you have done this, just wipe the residue away with a cloth and repeat if necessary, it is advisable to wear gloves to protect your skin from excessive exposure to the vinegar.”
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